Tech Trailblazer: Izzy Gregory, Engineering Manager,  Aflac

Isabel Gregory is the Engineering Manager at Aflac Northern Ireland.

Here, Isabel sits down with Sync NI to take part in the Tech Trailblazer challenge, discussing her pathway into a career in tech, what a day in her life looks like, and why Aflac Northern Ireland is a great company to foster growth and develop talent.

Have you always had an interest in technology and was there a specific person or source of inspiration that led you into your current career path?

I have always loved Maths, I had a huge interest in school and went on to do an Integrated Masters in Maths at University. I did a couple of mathematical coding modules in Uni and really enjoyed them, so when I was looking for jobs I literally googled ‘jobs for maths graduates who like coding’. The first search result was a role in Data Analytics, where I’d be able to manipulate data through code and find interesting insights. This was where my interest in Technology flourished! I loved this role and did it for 3 years before side stepping into Data Engineering, and more recently becoming a more general Software Engineer in the data space. I have always found inspiration in Alan Turing and Katherine Johnson– both pioneers in their respective fields and incredible mathematicians.

 What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?

I think that getting to the bottom of a particularly tricky problem is something that I always find very rewarding. It can be time consuming, and frustrating when in the moment, but as soon as you work out why something has gone wrong – why data is missing, or why data is incorrect – and can find a way to fix it, it is a brilliant feeling. I have always loved the problem-solving side of Maths and this is a way to apply this in my job.

I also love getting to work with intelligent, hard working motivated people and love the people side of my managerial role.

 In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?

I have been lucky enough to attend a range of conferences and industry events throughout my career so far and I feel these are important both for career development – to hear from others more experienced than you, or to be able to share your own experiences too. I also think they are important for personal development because they have really helped me gain confidence and get inspiration, especially from other women in tech.

 How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?

Since I became a manager, I have had a mentor who has been fundamental in my confidence, support, and my

outlook to my work-life balance. She has helped me through new and sometimes difficult situations that I hadn’t had prior to being a manager, and has encouraged me to embrace my vulnerability, that me being vulnerable and emotional as a person does not make me a weak manager. I would absolutely recommend getting a mentor you trust as they can really help you grow.

What guidance would you offer to any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?

I have worked in the tech sector for 7 years now and honestly my job role has changed or developed in some significant way every single year. As someone who likes to be challenged and doesn’t like to be bored, having a career in technology means you get to always be learning, always be getting better and always have a reason to stay motivated. You also get to work with cool, creative people and technology can lead you to many different sectors that you’re interested in.

What advice would you give to women considering a career change or who are returning to work who might be daunted at the prospect of working in what can be perceived as a male dominated industry?

As a woman in tech - and also a woman who plays rugby - I can totally understand how it can be intimidating sometimes going into an area that is historically (and currently) more dominated by males. However, I personally think that having a team made up of different people, not only different genders, is what makes a team successful. Being able to look at a problem in different ways, and having different strengths is what helps us all develop. As a woman I sometimes find myself nervous in confronting situations, or speak less on large meetings as my voice is quieter than the males also present, but I am grateful to have female leaders I can look up to for advice and guidance, as well as male allies who have my back, both of which help my voice be heard in these circumstances. Over the years and through these experiences I have gained confidence in myself so I now don’t find it just as daunting anymore.

 For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?

Within my roles in tech I have worked with incredible colleagues in the design and marketing areas, who use their creative skills to showcase the best of tech whether that be through applications or websites or presentations. There is also a wide array of careers within Data, backend opportunities like being a Data Scientist or Data Analyst, or more forward-facing roles like being a Business Analyst and creating attractive visuals and explaining technical insights to clients.